GOD OF CARNAGE Reviews — Page 2
#27
Posted: 3/22/09 at 10:39pm
So do you think Matthew Warchus has a chance for a Best Directing Tony? He's been nominated three times, but never won.
If THE NORMAN CONQUESTS comes off like expected, I'm guessing he'll have the win locked up.
If THE NORMAN CONQUESTS comes off like expected, I'm guessing he'll have the win locked up.
"Y'know, I think Bertolt Brecht was rolling in his grave."
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum
Updated On: 3/22/09 at 10:39 PM
#28
Posted: 3/22/09 at 10:44pm
I have not seen the show myself, but from the reviews, it sounds like Warchus knocked this out of the part.
"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it." -Stephen Colbert
#29
Posted: 3/22/09 at 11:07pm
John Simon is a Rave:
"Yasmina Reza?s ?God of Carnage,? with Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden, proves superior entertainment at Broadway?s Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. What a pleasant surprise to share a walloping good time with the audience at this comedy, whose ferocious title paradoxically reinforces the subtly furibund fun."
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601098&sid=a1G7pm0Ig1aE&refer=movie
"Yasmina Reza?s ?God of Carnage,? with Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden, proves superior entertainment at Broadway?s Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. What a pleasant surprise to share a walloping good time with the audience at this comedy, whose ferocious title paradoxically reinforces the subtly furibund fun."
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601098&sid=a1G7pm0Ig1aE&refer=movie
"Y'know, I think Bertolt Brecht was rolling in his grave."
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum
#30
Posted: 3/22/09 at 11:11pm
USA Today gives the show 3 1/2 Stars out of 4:
"...It's just a matter of time before the meeting devolves into an orgy of verbal and physical brawling ? and a showcase for first-rate ensemble acting. Jeff Daniels makes Alan as entertaining as he would be insufferable in real life. James Gandolfini's Michael emerges as his milder, earthier foil, at least until his temper reveals a misguided machismo that would make Tony Soprano squirm.
Annette, too, lets her guard down; Hope Davis exquisitely charts her evolution from prim to nauseous to feisty to languorously drunk. As Veronica, the frustrated do-gooder, Marcia Gay Harden manages to be divinely irritating and moving, driving home the redeeming neediness and uncertainty that link humans to more sympathetic life forms."
http://www.usatoday.com/life/theater/reviews/2009-03-22-carnage-blithe_N.htm
"...It's just a matter of time before the meeting devolves into an orgy of verbal and physical brawling ? and a showcase for first-rate ensemble acting. Jeff Daniels makes Alan as entertaining as he would be insufferable in real life. James Gandolfini's Michael emerges as his milder, earthier foil, at least until his temper reveals a misguided machismo that would make Tony Soprano squirm.
Annette, too, lets her guard down; Hope Davis exquisitely charts her evolution from prim to nauseous to feisty to languorously drunk. As Veronica, the frustrated do-gooder, Marcia Gay Harden manages to be divinely irritating and moving, driving home the redeeming neediness and uncertainty that link humans to more sympathetic life forms."
http://www.usatoday.com/life/theater/reviews/2009-03-22-carnage-blithe_N.htm
"Y'know, I think Bertolt Brecht was rolling in his grave."
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum
#32
Posted: 3/22/09 at 11:19pm
As Bernard Shaw once said (about PYGMALION), "There must be something radically wrong with the play if it pleases everyone."
Just kidding :) Salutations to the cast and creatives!
Just kidding :) Salutations to the cast and creatives!
"Y'know, I think Bertolt Brecht was rolling in his grave."
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum
Updated On: 3/22/09 at 11:19 PM
#33
Posted: 3/22/09 at 11:35pm
*goes to Telecharge to buy tickets for parents for their anniversary right now before finding tickets becomes impossible*
#34
Posted: 3/22/09 at 11:48pm
The New York Daily News gives the show 4 Stars out of 5:
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/arts/2009/03/22/2009-03-22_oh_god_of_carnage_thats_whacky_theater.html
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/arts/2009/03/22/2009-03-22_oh_god_of_carnage_thats_whacky_theater.html
"Y'know, I think Bertolt Brecht was rolling in his grave."
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum
#35
Posted: 3/23/09 at 1:10am
My apologies, brothers and sisters.
I haven't been around ALL day.
Caught ROOMS in the PM. Review to follow.
Thanks to jeremiah for steppin' in last-minute!
I haven't been around ALL day.
Caught ROOMS in the PM. Review to follow.
Thanks to jeremiah for steppin' in last-minute!
#36
Posted: 3/23/09 at 8:25am
Wonderful reviews, well deserved. I do wish Brantley would have given a dot more mention to Harden's brilliant performance, even though the entire ensemble is divine, she is the standout, in my opinion, and will hopefully be a Tony contender.
I can absolutely see this show winning the Best Ensemble Drama Desk.
I can absolutely see this show winning the Best Ensemble Drama Desk.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
#37
Posted: 3/23/09 at 8:29am
The Post is Positive with Three out of Four Stars:
"After making you laugh, though, Yasmina Reza's "God of Carnage" leaves a bitter aftertaste. This Howitzer blast against bourgeois-bohemian hypocrisy could easily be staged as a drama.
But it certainly isn't done that way here, and that's just fine it's been a while since Broadway's seen such gleefully nasty fun.
...
As for the actors, what glorious pleasure they are.
The angular Davis oozes seething resentment (and somehow manages to look waxy before hurling) and Daniels is as self-involved and condescending as you could dream a lawyer to be. Gandolfini overcomes his "Sopranos" baggage and more than holds his own as the earthy Michael.
But it's Marcia Gay Harden who rocks this show. Whether she's putting up a polite front, trembling with indignation, screaming out in powerless rage or crumpling on a stool like a defeated boxer after one too many punches, she's never less than triumphant.
Go watch her, kids, and see how it's done."
Full Review
"After making you laugh, though, Yasmina Reza's "God of Carnage" leaves a bitter aftertaste. This Howitzer blast against bourgeois-bohemian hypocrisy could easily be staged as a drama.
But it certainly isn't done that way here, and that's just fine it's been a while since Broadway's seen such gleefully nasty fun.
...
As for the actors, what glorious pleasure they are.
The angular Davis oozes seething resentment (and somehow manages to look waxy before hurling) and Daniels is as self-involved and condescending as you could dream a lawyer to be. Gandolfini overcomes his "Sopranos" baggage and more than holds his own as the earthy Michael.
But it's Marcia Gay Harden who rocks this show. Whether she's putting up a polite front, trembling with indignation, screaming out in powerless rage or crumpling on a stool like a defeated boxer after one too many punches, she's never less than triumphant.
Go watch her, kids, and see how it's done."
Full Review
#38
Posted: 3/23/09 at 8:35am
Will all four actors get Tony nods?
Looks like Gay Harden is the biggest contender.
Looks like Gay Harden is the biggest contender.
#39
Posted: 3/23/09 at 8:41am
What's its presumed chief competition for Best Play? DIVIDING THE ESTATE and MARY STUART? Because I could see this taking it...
#40
Posted: 3/23/09 at 8:42am
MARY STUART is a revival.
REASONS TO BE PRETTY is big-time competition; at least to me.
REASONS TO BE PRETTY is big-time competition; at least to me.
#41
Posted: 3/23/09 at 8:47am
I think IRENA'S VOW and GOD OF CARNAGE will be head to head for Best Play.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
#42
Posted: 3/23/09 at 8:48am
I hope if it wins (GOD OF CARNAGE, that is) it makes its run open-ended.
Or at least extends.
Or at least extends.
#43
Posted: 3/23/09 at 8:54am
Wow, looks like I'll have to dig deep into my pockets to see this one. Normally I'll only do rush/lottery, but this production seems worth the extra cash. I am so happy it's getting such great reviews though, love Marcia Gay Harden - she's consistently underrated.
#44
Posted: 3/23/09 at 9:00am
I wouldn't say that someone who has an Oscar is "underrated."
I will say that she is primarily well regarded for her dramatic work, and her work in GOD OF CARNAGE shows that she has brilliant comedic chops, as well.
Chances are she wouldn't win another Oscar for a comedy, but she could certainly win a Tony.
I will say that she is primarily well regarded for her dramatic work, and her work in GOD OF CARNAGE shows that she has brilliant comedic chops, as well.
Chances are she wouldn't win another Oscar for a comedy, but she could certainly win a Tony.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
#45
Posted: 3/23/09 at 9:48am
I am thrilled about these positive reviews. I saw the show early in its previews (second preview, I believe) and enjoyed it immensely. I think it's the perfect formula: interesting yet unusual plot, wonderfully directed, several hilarious moments and a brilliant ensemble.
An open-ended run, as WiCkEDrOcKS suggested, would be great, although I'm not sure whether the material would work this well with another cast.
An open-ended run, as WiCkEDrOcKS suggested, would be great, although I'm not sure whether the material would work this well with another cast.
#46
Posted: 3/23/09 at 10:03am
Warchus was able to make BOEING-BOEING still work with four replacements and two original cast members. I'm sure he could do it with this show. Even if this foursome doesn't want to extend past the original limited run ending date, I don't see why the producers wouldn't want to capitalize on the positive reviews and keep it running with a new cast as long as they're still making money. Heck, maybe even invite the critics back to review a new foursome.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
#47
Posted: 3/23/09 at 10:10am
Perhaps you're right, WBAF. Maybe it's just because - right now - I can't think of 4 worthy replacements. But I'll be happy to be proven wrong.
#48
Posted: 3/23/09 at 10:30am
"MARY STUART is a revival. REASONS TO BE PRETTY is big-time competition; at least to me."
I'm with you on REASONS TO BE PRETTY, Wicked -- I thought it was fantastic -- but I can't imagine it being the sort of show that would take the TONY without becoming a sensation beforehand. Speaking purely in terms of awards prognostication, I'd say GOD OF CARNAGE's presumed box office success and (reasonably) mainstream accessibility paired with the rave reviews will work in its favor.
"I wouldn't say that someone who has an Oscar is 'underrated.'
I will say that she is primarily well regarded for her dramatic work, and her work in GOD OF CARNAGE shows that she has brilliant comedic chops, as well."
As notable as winning an Oscar is, I myself had started to 'underrate' Harden in recent years. She's clearly a brilliant actress, but I'd grown bored of seeing her play the same part in movie after movie since POLLOCK (with only occasional changes-of-pace like THE MIST) -- I mean, how many times can a woman play a distraught, long-suffering wife/mother? I think this role will be just the thing to remind people of her range. And sorry to harp on THE MIST, but if any of you haven't seen it, it's worth checking out for Harden alone -- completely different than anything she's ever played.
As for replacements, it's certainly feasible, but it's an entirely different situation than BOEING-BOEING. Even if names like Gina Gershon and Bradley Whitford were familiar to the general public, I don't think anyone would argue that the name-recognition of the cast was what drove the ticket sales. Even though GOD OF CARNAGE will without a doubt have strong word-of-mouth once people start actually seeing the play, I think a big factor in its forthcoming hit status is the four big names anchoring it.
Who knows, they could re-cast it with perfectly capable actors and still make a run of it, but I think re-casting and extending here is going to be a lot trickier than it was with BOEING-BOEING.
I'm with you on REASONS TO BE PRETTY, Wicked -- I thought it was fantastic -- but I can't imagine it being the sort of show that would take the TONY without becoming a sensation beforehand. Speaking purely in terms of awards prognostication, I'd say GOD OF CARNAGE's presumed box office success and (reasonably) mainstream accessibility paired with the rave reviews will work in its favor.
"I wouldn't say that someone who has an Oscar is 'underrated.'
I will say that she is primarily well regarded for her dramatic work, and her work in GOD OF CARNAGE shows that she has brilliant comedic chops, as well."
As notable as winning an Oscar is, I myself had started to 'underrate' Harden in recent years. She's clearly a brilliant actress, but I'd grown bored of seeing her play the same part in movie after movie since POLLOCK (with only occasional changes-of-pace like THE MIST) -- I mean, how many times can a woman play a distraught, long-suffering wife/mother? I think this role will be just the thing to remind people of her range. And sorry to harp on THE MIST, but if any of you haven't seen it, it's worth checking out for Harden alone -- completely different than anything she's ever played.
As for replacements, it's certainly feasible, but it's an entirely different situation than BOEING-BOEING. Even if names like Gina Gershon and Bradley Whitford were familiar to the general public, I don't think anyone would argue that the name-recognition of the cast was what drove the ticket sales. Even though GOD OF CARNAGE will without a doubt have strong word-of-mouth once people start actually seeing the play, I think a big factor in its forthcoming hit status is the four big names anchoring it.
Who knows, they could re-cast it with perfectly capable actors and still make a run of it, but I think re-casting and extending here is going to be a lot trickier than it was with BOEING-BOEING.
Updated On: 3/23/09 at 10:30 AM
#49
Posted: 3/23/09 at 11:29am
I can't spell her fondness of the play, though she thinks it's faulty.
Um... What?
Um... What?
Experience live theater. Experience paintings. Experience books. Live, look and listen like artists! ~ imaginethis
LIVE THAT LESSON!!!!!!
LIVE THAT LESSON!!!!!!
#50
Posted: 3/23/09 at 11:41am
Hi jordangirl! I mean she always catches herself when she tends to like Carnage by comparing it to Reza's previous work or saying it's "not terribly original," or something like it.
Great reviews- hope it extends!
Great reviews- hope it extends!
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